The Premier Boats 360 Wide Dek 2004 vs Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Premier Boats 360 Wide Dek 2004 measures 37,0 feet overall (2004), giving it roughly 20,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 at 17,0 feet (2009). At 65 lbs and 15 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 tops out at 60 hp. Engine specs for the Premier Boats 360 Wide Dek 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Premier Boats 360 Wide Dek 2004 is rated for 24 passengers, while the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Premier Boats 360 Wide Dek 2004 could be the deciding factor.
The Premier Boats 360 Wide Dek 2004 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Premier Boats 360 Wide Dek 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 24 passengers and at 37,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.